Beyond the Court: Haley Ebbert

Haley “Bugz” Ebbert, a setter for the Power 15 Elite team of the Power Volleyball Academy, is an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) athlete full of smiles and hope for a bright future.
 
In January of 2009, things looked a little differently. Haley had been complaining about a pain spreading from the back of her knee. After a hospital visit, Haley’s mom and dad received the hard news that their daughter was diagnosed with Pre B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, or ALL, which is a type of white blood cell cancer. Haley’s mom and dad knew there was a long road ahead, but Haley said she “will have my foot on the gas the whole way.”
 
Two years later and Haley was pronounced cancer free. Now, a ninth grader at University High School in Orange City, Haley continues to share her story and passion for hope. She was named the Girl of the Year for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society in 2016, and in 2018 was honored to receive the David R. Roberts Youth in Philanthropy Award.
 
Her family’s non-profit organization “Hugz from Bugz” was created during her treatment for Leukemia. “We give kids their favorite things to do, whether it is care packages such as toys, games, concert tickets and theme parks,” said Haley. It is also about giving back to the hospitals that give the care to these kids. “It is a way to give a hope and a smile.”
 
Over the years Hugz from Bugz has provided assistance to over 800 families, donating over $460,000 for children and families coping with pediatric cancer through fundraising, charitable events, corporate assistance and donations. Most recently, Hugz for Bugz partnered with Jersey Mike’s to raise approximately $90,000 in proceeds.
 
Before playing at AAU, Haley was more of a soccer fan, but after watching her best friend, Isabella Greifenstein, play, she thought “this look kind of fun.” A year after joining the team, Haley found herself the starting setter for the Power 15 Elite team. “I feel more accomplished from playing more,” commented Haley. “Now, I feel like I can do anything.”
 
This past weekend Haley’s Power 15 Elite team battled their way to a second place finish in the 15u Gold Division at the 2019 AAU Volleyball Classic. The competition was super competitive, but she loved the energetic atmosphere. “Having the chance to play with my team is so cool,” said Haley. “We have put so much effort in practice that we have grown together as a team and as individuals. It is pretty amazing to be here, honestly.”
 
You can read more about Haley’s journey and the Hugz for Bugz organization at their website, hugzfrombugz.org.